2012 MLS, Week 19: Predictions

David Beckham returns from suspension to face the Portland Timbers (Getty Images)

The weekend has already gotten off to a bang. Trades are flying in left and right to shake things up. We’ll see a new coach in Portland take over and the return of David Beckham from suspension. Dallas will also be looking for their first win in 13 matches as they travel to Colorado.

Overall, a lot to see this weekend.

Saturday

Montreal Impact at Philadelphia Union: The setback in Kansas City could prove costly for the Union in this one but given how they’ve played lately in league play it may not matter in the end. John Hackworth finally has his club going in the right direction and as long as his offense remains fairly hot, they should have little issues with Jesse Marsch’s struggling defense.

WVH Prediction: Philadelphia 2, Montreal 1

Toronto FC at New England Revolution: Toronto found a way to win late after giving up a late goal on Wednesday but hitting the road quickly after that to play an up and coming New England squad won’t be easy. The Revs have played well lately and their offense is starting to catch fire here. That doesn’t bode well for a Toronto defense that is mighty leaky. One thing to consider for Toronto will be how much of a change this club will be without Julian de Guzman. I doubt much right away.

WVH Prediction: New England 2, Toronto 0

Sporting Kansas City at Columbus Crew: What many people do not realize, the Crew are one of the league’s best defensive teams. They just don’t scare anyone on offense at the moment though. I do see this as a slight trap game for Sporting after their big win in Philadelphia on Wednesday in the USOC semifinal. We do have a good offense against a strong defense. I tend to side with the strong defense in games like this.

WVH Prediction: Columbus 1, Sporting KC 0

Vancouver Whitecaps at Chicago Fire: Tough go of things for the Caps on Wednesday in Toronto. Tie the game late only to see a point slip from their hands in the dying moments of the game. It happens, that is soccer for you. Now they must play on the road in Chicago, not an easy venue to master on short rest. If Vancouver can keep rookie Darren Mattocks hot, then they stand a fighting chance in this one. Chicago has to find a way to bounce back after their dismal effort at home last week to LA too. This one seems level to me in the end.

WVH Prediction: Chicago 1, Vancouver 1

FC Dallas at Colorado Rapids: The Julian de Guzman trade won’t have that much of an impact on this game. Though he could easily slot into the midfield for Daniel Hernandez or James Marcelin for Dallas and it would still work. However, having that first game with a new club in Colorado won’t be easy given the altitude and all. Colorado is in a middle of a tough spell as well – winning only one out of their last five. Something will have to give in this one and I’d imagine Colorado finds one late for the three points – Dallas just doesn’t have the offense at the moment to get three points.

WVH Prediction: Colorado 1, Dallas 1

Real Salt Lake at San Jose Earthquakes: The battle of the bigs square off again. I’d expect a much more focused RSL squad in this one compared to the team that let a late lead slip away from them a couple weeks ago against this San Jose squad. The Quakes are looking to bounce back after a tough week that saw a road loss (to Portland) and a draw (to Dallas). This one will be tight and likely come down to a defensive mistake. I’m going out on a limb here and say that Salt Lake pulls this one out on a late goal.

WVH Prediction: Salt Lake 2, San Jose 1

LA Galaxy at Portland Timbers: Can Portland have the same turn around that Toronto and Philadelphia have had with their new coach? I’m honestly not sleeping on it entirely but you never know really with a team like this and how much a little change will actually mean to the players. I do think the Timbers will have a little more life in them for this one but always count on LA to keep it close against the Timbers.

WVH Prediction: Portland 2, LA 2

Sunday

Seattle Sounders FC at New York Red Bulls: The Sounders punched their ticket to the USOC final on Wednesday in convincing fashion. Given the hard work the club put into the USOC semifinal on Wednesday and the cross country trip to New York, makes this a tough turn around for Sigi Schmid’s club. The Red Bulls should have some familiar faces returning to the lineup as well. It could be a draw given how the Red Bulls have been playing lately but I think Hans Backe’s club gets three points against a very gassed Sounders side.

WVH Prediction: New York 2, Seattle 0

D.C. United at Houston Dynamo: The Black-and-Red make another visit to BBVA Compass Stadium. After having a few days off, United should be well rested and focused for this game. Houston needs the points more at this point and really need to prove they can hang with the big guns of MLS. This one could come down to a late goal which could easily come from both sides. I’m picking the home side to do it.